Advances in compact, rugged real-time image processing brings fully autonomous UAV operation within sight. Whilst the application of GPS and low cost inertial navigation systems has opened the way to autonomous UAV 'flight', being able to arrive at the area of interest, without a 'man in the loop', is only half the battle. Once on task current tactical UAVs require a continuous downlink and payload operator in order to produce surveillance images. This large amount of data then has to be reviewed and any useful information extracted before again employing the payload operator to perform targeting associated activities. Within the near future modern real time image processing, operating on-board the UAV, will be able to detect, recognise and track targets, instigate changes to flight profiles, process and store images and respond to tactical events as they unfold. This will have the combined benefits of reducing ground station workload, optimising UAV flight time and minimising downlink transmissions.
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